Chris's Blog

A place for me to talk about things that interest me.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Top 10 NES Games

Since I have little to post about lately, I'm just going to do a series of Top 10 posts of various systems I own or have owned in the past. I'm going to do them in installments (though not the GCN as I just did a Top 25 for that system) so I probably won't ever finish. But hey it's something to do.

Top 10 NES Games

1. Super Mario Bros. 3

Quite possibly the pinnacle of NES platforming. Lots of variety in all respects. Lots of power-ups, fantastic level design, great music, etc. There is really nothing all that bad about SMB3 that anyone who isn't reaching could find.

2. Legend of Zelda

The original game in my favorite franchise. While definitely dated by todays standards, the overall gameplay and feel of the game are very impressive in its day and age. The ability to explore at leisure and experiment around is something that everyone should be able to enjoy even if the game is 21 years old now.

3. Mega Man 2

What Mega Man was, Mega Man 2 took it and shifted into overdrive for what is in my opinion the best Mega Man game ever (this includes every franchise variation available). It expands on the level design, power vs. power system and improves the gameplay to a point where improving on it was very difficult to do.

4. Super Mario Bros.

The game that saved the industry. Another one of those games I'd think you'd have to be insane to hate. One of the first games to bring about the concept of non-linear (warp pipes) gameplay and still just a joy to play for even people who don't play a lot of games. I know lots of people who don't play videogames on a regular basis who love SMB. Few games have that sort of reach.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Games

Port of the awesome arcade game which had a great co-op beat-um-up gameplay and a fairly decent challenge. Always fun for a quick run through. Of course this game really takes me back to the days of the original TMNT which is still one of my favorite cartoon shows back when I was a kid.

6. Crystalis

A very Zelda-ish title with a RPG leveling up and equipment style. A bit underrated and had one of the worst commercials ever (check out You Tube, ugh). I didn't really appreciate the game till just recently, no one should miss this game if they have a chance to play it. It almost feels more like ALttP than the original LoZ actually.

7. Ninja Gaiden

Hard as nails. Is there really anything more to say about this game? It'll drive you insane I tells ya. But despite some of the seemingly poor programming inherent with it, the game's challenge and just overall fun is not to be missed.

8. Mega Man 3

The last real great NES Mega Man 3. Even a bit harder than MM2 and while improving on the first two a bit, missed a little bit of what made 2 special for me. What that is, I'm not sure. It is hard to put those kind of feeling into words. Of course this is another one that shouldn't be missed.

9. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Grossly unappreciated for what it introduced to the overall Zelda formula: magic, towns, NPCs, and a more complicated story. With a decent difficulty it is probably the biggest challenge in a Zelda game, particularly from having no knowledge of the game.

10. Kirby's Adventure

A great late gen NES game (1993) which brought along Kirby's famous suck and steal ability. Some very creative level design and a decent challenge makes for one of the last great NES games.